Gun Violence Restraining Order Training

July 17, 2019

Gun Violence Restraining Order Training

As the first statewide champion for Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs),the San Diego City Attorney’s Office was selected by the state to conduct trainings for law enforcement agencies throughout California. The California law, which took effect in 2016, allows family members or law enforcement officers to seek a GVRO against someone they believe poses an “immediate and present danger” of harming themselves or others. This law was passed in the wake of a mass murder in Isla Vista where six individuals were killed. However, this process appears to be underutilized in California.

The curriculum is directed at those responsible for implementing and coordinating a GVRO program at their agencies. Typically, all forms of law enforcement, city attorneys, crisis intervention specialists, school administrators and medical professionals would directly benefit from this event.

Using case studies, we explain ways to apply the law, describe the process for obtaining a GVRO, and address complex issues concerning domestic violence, juveniles and individuals with neurological disorders, including dementia and Alzheimer’s. We also devote a significant amount of time to the topics of service, search warrants and seizure (firearms) from a legal and officer perspective.